Military spending in EU countries has significantly increased, reaching €279bn in 2023, the highest ever recorded. This trend began in 2014 after Russia's invasion of Crimea. The EU aims to enhance its Defence Technological and Industrial Base, with a focus on domestic production. Defence spending is expected to rise to €326bn in 2024, nearing NATO's 2% GDP guideline. NATO's secretary general Mark Rutte emphasized that 2% is insufficient for long-term deterrence, suggesting a need for member countries to potentially spend up to 3% of GDP. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)